UVL 873M - 1973 Bristol RELL6L

Alexander Y type B48F body

Lincoln Corporation No. 73

In 1973, Lincoln Corporation purchased 12 Bristol RE single deck buses, with Alexander's Y-type bodywork, numbered 66 to 77. This was unusual for Lincoln, who had been a customer of Leyland since 1927, and of Roe since 1941 (we have 3 Leyland / Roe buses at the Museum.) The choice of Alexander Y type body on this chassis is also quite unusual, it is more commonly associated with underfloor engined types, such as the Leyland Leopard, and with Scottish operators. The design, launched in 1961, and in production into the early 1980s, qualifies as a design classic, many (Leyand Leopard) examples coming south to the Road Car fleet in the 1990s.

No. 73 was fitted from new with 'Autofare' equipment for driver-only operation, with a farebox - the aim being to speed passenger boarding with an exact fare / no change system. No. 73 saw service for 10 years on City services, and was withdrawn in late 1982, passing in February 1983 to Messrs Bird, trading as Ongar Motors, of Ongar, Essex. Reports at the time suggested that No. 73 would be one of three similar buses passing to Messrs. Bird, but sale of the other two did not take place.

In 1988, No.73 passed to Messrs Webb of Galleywood near Chelmsford in Essex, and was used on a variety of local bus services (many contracted to Essex County Council) around Chelmsford and Maldon. By 1992 No.73 had moved north to Staffordshire to Craig Tilsley Engineers. The original plan to use the bus for transporting a football team turned out to be a limited activity, and the bus was used as a storage facility for many years. Most of the others in the batch continued in Lincoln service into the 1990s, many then passing to other operators for further service.

No. 73 in Lincoln service at the City Bus Station	No. 73 in service with Webbs' - seen at Chelmsford Retail Market bus stand

By 2000, however, No. 73 was, as far as we know, the only survivor, and, following an enquiry by a Society member who was considering purchasing the vehicle for restoration, Craig Tilsley generously offered to donate the bus to the LVVS. The return of the bus to Lincolnshire took place (on tow) in February 2001. A thorough clean-up was the first task. The engine of the bus was rebuilt while in the care of Messrs Tilsley, and the basic mechanical parts appear sound - two windows were missing, although replacements have since been tracked down and fitted, there are a number of minor body repairs needed, and some seats and parts of the floor have suffered from water getting in.

No. 73 as we first saw it in late 2000.

For the 'finishing touches', we have already been donated a 'Farespeed' system and farebox by Messrs Simmonds (Reliance) of Grantham, who bought the equipment from Lincoln City Transport in the 1990s. A destination blind is needed - these were unusual for LCT being full width with the service number and destination - has anyone got one to spare??? We would also be interested to receive more information about 73's life in Essex and Staffordshire - any 'in service' photographs would be welcome.

May 2001 - A number of spare windows have kindly been given to us by the Manchester Museum of Transport. Further spare parts including a replacement front panel have been purchased and work has started on various mechanical parts.

July 2001 - A good supply of windows (side and rear) have been sourced together with a much better front lower panel which should eventually be reinstated on No 73. These have been collected and stored in the bus. Meanwhile the engine stop control has been checked over and now works, and the main fuel supply connected. The accelerator linkage needs some work, however. The serious engine water leak has also been sorted with new hoses and clips etc.

October 2001 - After a hatching in May, and a brief absence of blackbirds from No 73, we thought we had got our bus back. Some research kindly carried out by the mother of one of our members suggested that blackbirds do not have two clutches of eggs in the same nest. So, No 73 was duly started up and moved to allow better access for various mechanical work and replacing the missing windows. (Thanks to the Manchester Museum of Transport for these). On concluding the move, however, it was noticed that "Mrs Feathers" was once again in residence and looking mildly irritated by the noise. She obviously had not read the same book! A further two (at least) chicks hatched during June - visitors to the museum yard on the occasion of the Castle Rally were therefore requested not to disturb the bird sanctuary. In late June the next had been vacated and work since has included attention to the front (detachable) panel, repairs to the offside front framework and removal of the side panels on the offside (revealing an excellent frame) prior to re-panelling. Some new light fittings are also being sourced.

January 2002 - One of the two front end panels we have for the bus is being repaired and is looking good. New panels have been cut for the offside of the bodywork, and the framework damage at the front offside has now been repaired.

July 2003 - This bus has gone to Colin Rogers for the start of mechanical work.

April 2005 - This has now returned from Colin Rogers Ltd who have made the bus 'mobile'. With a series of minor problems solved the bus can move under its own power. Thanks to Colin and Dave Wells for their assistance. Work on the body should start soon.

July 2005 - Work has started on the front of the body to rectify damage to the framework and general deterioration. The engine and engine bay have been cleaned.

October 2005 - More work has recently been carried out on the front end of the bus - new front screen being obtained from the Scottish Vintage Bus Museum - thanks lads! The chassis frame exterior and axles have been blasted clean and primed together with the wheels. Work planned shortly is the replacement of the front and rear springs, exhaust system and brake inspection.

Latest News - January 2010

We are delighted to announce that No. 73 has temporarily left the Museum to undergo restoration.

No. 73 is being restored so it can hit the road again in 2011. The vehicle being restored by Lincolnshire Co-operative’s Transport Department as a community donation. When complete, the bus will be used as part of Lincolnshire Co-op’s 150th birthday celebrations in 2011.

Many of this batch of buses carried all-over advertising liveries in service, and this will be a rare example in preservation of this aspect of the 1970s bus scene.

The Society is delighted that the Co-op has taken on this project with us to return the bus to running order and see it back on the road for the Lincolnshire Co-op's celebrations. Having the work done with a local firm is a fitting way to see this bus restored.

More about this development can be seen on Lincolnshire Co-operative's web site

No. 73 at Lincs Co-op Workshops, February 2010	Seats and front axle removed for attention, February 2010	Electrics receiving attention, February 2010

April 2010 - Work on this project with Lincolnshire Co-operative is progressing well with the front axle being overhauled and new road springs fitted, along with the new exhaust system.

The necessary welding work has been finished on several of the seat frames and members of the Society will be renovating these shortly. One disappointing step back is that the replacement seat cushions we had sourced are just a little bit too small for the frames so we may have to look at recovering the old set in due course, if funds can be raised.

The seat frame tops are very rusty and these too may have to be painted rather than being re-chromed due to cost. I had always thought these unusual shaped grab rails were the usual stainless steel! The seats have been removed for repair and for the front floor to be replaced.

New alternator belts, accelerator cable and shock absorbers have been bought by the Society to assist with the project and new brake cams are on the way too. New bushes for these are a problem and the next challenge! At the time of writing the rear axle is being overhauled too. We welcome assistance from members to help with the body preparation, lots of parts need cleaning and painting, so if you like Bristol RE's please make yourself known!

July 2010 - The Lincolnshire Cooperative workshop has now completed the majority of the mechanical work and have now turned their attention to the bodywork with the roof being prepared and etch primed.

NOTE - This vehicle is currently away from the Museum and is not on public display at present.

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